Q5 with Bronson Schaake: Team trying to find identity

Bronson Schaake is in his first year as head coach for the Immaculata boys basketball team, after serving as an assistant coach at Basehor-Linwood High School.

The 2-2 Raiders are scheduled to host McLouth on Jan. 10.

Here, Schaake talks about his team's play so far this season and its outlook for the remainder of the year.

1. Has winter break been an opportunity to practice and improve, or are you worried it could make the team rusty?

Schaake: "We are sitting at 2-2 and have talked about being content with average, and that over this two-week break we need to use this time to improve and determine what kind of group we are going to be.

"I don't see us becoming rusty. I believe that we needed to work on more fundamentals and shooting, so hopefully this break helps."

2. How much of the break was used for rest and how much for practice?

Schaake: "This first week, we have increased the pace and conditioning. By the middle of next week, I will take care of them and start mentally preparing for McLouth. But no resting, they can do that at home."

3. Have you or the team made New Year's resolutions for the rest of the season?

Schaake: "Not so much a New Year's resolution, but at the beginning of the season, I showed them state championship rings, and they decided that would become their goal for this season."

4. What is the biggest area of improvement for your team?

Schaake: "Being a team that doesn't have much experience, we lack in confidence, communication and feel of the game.

"The funny thing is, those areas are all tied into with each other. So, if you can show progress in one, then the others will soon follow."

5. What has been your team's biggest strength so far?

Schaake: "Based off the previous answer, (in) which I highlighted our weaknesses, I think our strength is two areas: our size and our ability to process information and learn. We pick up extremely quick, but now we need to increase the pace and reaction time."